Little Theatre Company present
Jekyll and Hyde
Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea
12th to 15th October 2016
Jekyll and Hyde
Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea
12th to 15th October 2016
Bradley Green, who is directing Little Theatre Company’s latest production, Jekyll and Hyde, clearly has a passion for the show which unbelievably never took residency in the West End.
“It was on Broadway and toured in the UK but it was never in the West End for some reason,” Bradley tells me. Bradley loves the show so much he even asked Weinberger’s, who hold the rights to the production, if he could have special permission to add in an additional song that has been left out of previous productions.
“It’s such a brilliant story,” Bradley enthuses, “and the music is just stunning which is one of the reasons I wanted to add the extra song.” The song in question is called Girls of the Night and Bradley was thrilled when Weinberger’s came back to him to say that it wouldn’t be a problem.
“It was on Broadway and toured in the UK but it was never in the West End for some reason,” Bradley tells me. Bradley loves the show so much he even asked Weinberger’s, who hold the rights to the production, if he could have special permission to add in an additional song that has been left out of previous productions.
“It’s such a brilliant story,” Bradley enthuses, “and the music is just stunning which is one of the reasons I wanted to add the extra song.” The song in question is called Girls of the Night and Bradley was thrilled when Weinberger’s came back to him to say that it wouldn’t be a problem.
He is also pleased with how his leading man, Olly Gourley, is taking on the dual roles of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, although he does stress that audiences mustn’t mistake the fact that the characters are essentially one person. Brad explains, “It’s actually a tragically sad story because ultimately all Dr Jekyll wants is to find a cure for his father, who is in a mental asylum.”
This is a challenge that Olly Gourley has found to be one of the hardest characterisations he has yet to take on in his varied musical career. Olly, 25, who has previously performed parts such as Ren McCormack in Footloose, Jamie Wellerstein in The Last Five Years and Radames in Aida, says, “This part is more challenging than any other role I’ve taken on.” In particular there is one song where Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde sing to each other which, he tells me, is an incredible strain on him vocally. This is one show, Olly admits, that he will most definitely be keeping his vocal chords in shape for. “There are some professional singers who have played this part who have completely ruined their voices.” With that in mind, Olly has cancelled all after-show engagements. “I’ll come to the bar and say ‘hi’ to people afterwards but then I’ll be straight home to bed!”
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Sarah Woolner, 33, whose favourite roles in the past include the title role in Aida, Jane in The Witches of Eastwick and Sally Smith in Me and My Girl, is in agreement with Olly, “This part is a challenge for me too - it’s so high - I think a top C is the highest note I have, so I’ll be taking it easy show week too.” Sarah is taking on the part of Jekyll’s wife, Emma, and loves that she’s playing someone who, although pretty well-to-do also has a bit of an edge. “She’s quite feisty, which is great to play.” One of Sarah's favourite songs in the show is In His Eyes which is a duet sung with the character of Lucy, played by Eleanor Softly, who also tells me that the song is one of her favourite moments in the show too. |
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Eleanor, 27, who audiences will have last seen playing cheerleader, Serena, in Legally Blonde, tells me how happy she is to be playing the hugely contrasting part of prostitute, Lucy. The dance and drama teacher tells me, “I have a couple of big ballads but I think my favourite is In His Eyes which I get to sing with Sarah.” “This part has also given me the opportunity to really act and get into the character. The costumes are great too - they really capture the period of the piece.”
The equally challenging task of keeping everyone on track musically is Clare Penfold who has taken on the role of Musical Director.
“It’s actually been a dream to work with Little Theatre Company,” she smiles. “The company has all worked so hard on this fabulous score. There are some wonderfully sumptuous ballads and Alive which is in the first act just gives me goosebumps.” She adds, “We’ve had a laugh but this is a big sing and they’ve worked brilliantly on perfecting some quite complicated harmonies.” During show week, Clare will be waving the baton in the pit with a 12 piece orchestra playing what she describes as “traditional scoring”.
Leaving the last word to Bradley, I ask him what audiences can expect from the show. “It’s actually a really sad story; people tend to think that Hyde is the evil one but really he’s the same person as Jekyll, who is just desperately trying to help his father. There’s a lot happening in this production and the action doesn’t let up throughout. There are some really beautiful songs in this show, so don’t miss out!”
If you don’t want to miss out on Little Theatre Company’s production of Jekyll and Hyde go online to http://www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135
“It’s actually been a dream to work with Little Theatre Company,” she smiles. “The company has all worked so hard on this fabulous score. There are some wonderfully sumptuous ballads and Alive which is in the first act just gives me goosebumps.” She adds, “We’ve had a laugh but this is a big sing and they’ve worked brilliantly on perfecting some quite complicated harmonies.” During show week, Clare will be waving the baton in the pit with a 12 piece orchestra playing what she describes as “traditional scoring”.
Leaving the last word to Bradley, I ask him what audiences can expect from the show. “It’s actually a really sad story; people tend to think that Hyde is the evil one but really he’s the same person as Jekyll, who is just desperately trying to help his father. There’s a lot happening in this production and the action doesn’t let up throughout. There are some really beautiful songs in this show, so don’t miss out!”
If you don’t want to miss out on Little Theatre Company’s production of Jekyll and Hyde go online to http://www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135
Photo credits: Jeff Hooker & Bradley Green